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The Webutuck ACA Environmental Majors played the Red Hook VFW on Wednesday, April 24 at Father Carroll Field in Red Hook. Eli Milano, No. 3, leads the post-game handshake line. Webutuck lost 9-2 after six innings.
John Coston
John Coston
Nico Rosales covers home on a slide score by Red Hook.
Hannah RossProvided
Hannah Ross
Valedictorian
Excelling in academics while pursuing other school-based activities including athletics contributed to making Hannah Ross an outstanding member of the Senior class and earned her the honor of being named Valedictorian for the Class of 2024 at Millbrook High School.
Hannah’s path toward recognition began in Kindergarten in the Millbrook School District following in the footsteps of her two older brothers. She had attended preschool at the Millbrook Early Childhood Education Center.
The small community perspective was important to her success, Hannah said, offering comments on Sunday, April 21, and reflecting on the relationships she developed with teachers, coaches and staff.
Serving as president of the National Honor Society at Millbrook, Hannah was active in Student Council and the Yearbook Club. She has enjoyed tutoring students in the community as well.
Presently undecided about her choice of college, Hannah said that she plans to major in Kinesiology (the science of exercise) toward the goal of becoming a Physical Therapist.
“Make connections with your teachers,” is Hannah’s advice to Millbrook freshmen beginning their high school years. “Having teachers that you can go talk to anytime or seek their advice is very important,” she added, “particularly during your senior year.”
“All you have to do is keep up with your work and ask questions to understand the material,” Hannah advised. “And turn assignments in on time,” she added.
Classes she enjoyed most within the Millbrook curriculum were math, science and engineering, Hannah said, along with economics during her senior year.
Outside of school, Hannah enjoys tutoring others, working at a local ice cream truck and serving as a line cook at the Millbrook Golf and Tennis Club.
“I am so grateful for the opportunities I have been given and I’d like to thank my teachers and staff for the constant support that has allowed me to be successful,” Hannah said.
Natailia FoxProvided
Natalia Fox
Salutatorian
Having begun her academic career when she was enrolled for Kindergarten in the Millbrook School District, Natalie Fox has excelled along the way and studied diligently, deserving of the honor of being named Salutatorian for the Class of 2024 at Millbrook High School.
“I have always enjoyed school and challenging myself in everything I do,” Natalie said on Tuesday, April 23, reflecting on her educational path and the present honor.
“Don’t rush through high school,” was Natalie’s advice to young students at the dawn of their high school years. “It can be such a great experience if you take advantage of it,” she added.
Throughout her middle and high school years, Natalie said that she participated in several extracurricular activities and athletics, including basketball and volleyball. Outside of school, Natalie has pursued AAU (Amateur Athletic Union) competitive basketball and plans to continue in college.
Natalie will be attending William and Mary College in Williamsburg, Virginia, with a major in marketing and business. Chartered in 1693, William and Mary is one of the oldest collegiate institutions in the U.S.
“The secret of my success was that I did all of my homework to the best of my ability. I never handed in work late or missed any assignments,” Natalie said. “I also tried to finish as much work in school as possible. That way, I did not have work to do when I got home.”.
Outside of school, Natalie worked for the Town of Washington Recreation Department as a lifeguard and as a basketball referee.
“I am grateful for all the opportunities, experiences, and individuals that I’ve encountered throughout my years in the Millbrook schools,” Natalie said, feeling prepared for what will come next.
David Hambleton joined Sisters Hill Farm in 1999 and says “there’s nothing more basic and elemental than feeding people.”
Natalia Zukerman
Reflecting the sisters’ mission of reverence for the land, women, children, and addressing poverty, it was decided that Hambleton would develop a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) program on the farm.
With a degree in environmental studies from Binghamton University and a background in carpentry and cabinet making, Hambleton brought his ecological expertise and a diverse array of practical skills to the task.
What began as a modest endeavor now feeds 400 families, while sharing 10% of the harvest with those in need.
The CSA runs from the last week in May until the first week in November. There is a drop off location at the College of Mount St. Vincent in the Bronx for about 60 participating families and the rest are locals who can choose from a weekly or bi-weekly pick up on the farm.
“We used a sliding scale for years,” explains Hambleton of their pay model, “but now people pay what they are able, so some people pay nothing, and some pay full price. And if you have a hardship, let us know what you can afford.”
Hambleton grew up next to a dairy farm in Thompson Ridge, a hamlet located within the town of Crawford, New York.
“I played in the farm fields and in the woods, chopping down trees, damming up streams, building forts and all that sort of thing. This is kind of like that on the best days,” he laughed.
Farmer David Hambleton at Sisters Hill Farm in Stanfordville where a CSA runs from last week in May to November. Natalia Zukerman
Indeed, it does seem as though Hambleton is still playing. An engineer at heart, he has an eye for design and a knack for problem-solving which has led him to refurbish and create custom-built machinery. From a custom fertilizer drop spreader to refurbished tractors from the 30s and 40s, to mobile high tunnels that maximize space and efficiency, Hambleton’s designs are meticulously crafted, a marriage of function and form. With an artist’s sensibility and a farmer’s pragmatism, Hambleton is constantly tinkering and innovating to improve efficiency and sustainability on the farm.
As a member of the Collaborative Regional Alliance for Farmer Training (C.R.A.F.T.), a collaborative effort of local and biodynamic farms that offers opportunities for apprentices, Hambleton shares his knowledge and expertise with aspiring farmers. The paid position is open to just a few applicants and beyond teaching them by just working on the farm, Hambleton also offers private classes on everything from metal working and wood working to tractor mechanics, to finances and bookkeeping.
There is also housing available on site, so the small group works closely together around the clock.
“We all get along really well and have a lot of similar interests,” said Kiva Carman-Frank, one of this year’s apprentices.
After the first few years living on site as well, Hambleton built his own house across the street from the farm, where he still lives with his wife and two sons. It offers him a bit of space from his work but for Hambleton, farming is more than a livelihood—it’s a way of life rooted in a deep connection to the land.
As part of an ecological agriculture class in college, Hambleton visited a CSA and recalled that the farmer was, “living a life according to his principles and that was something I really wanted to do.” Further reflecting on his work, he shared, “There’s nothing more basic and elemental than feeding people…and I wanted to do something basic and elemental and meaningful.”
To find out more go to www.sistershillfarm.org
David Hambleton with Assistant Farm Manager, Cole Freeman and apprentice Kiva Carman-Frank.Natalia Zukerman
